Social Sharing

Speakers talked about struggles and successes of living as members of the LGBT community

Spoken word artist Jenna Tenn Yuk, takes a group selfie with students during WEShine, a Gay-Straight Alliance celebration at Holy Names Catholic High School. (Dan Taekema/CBC)

Jenna Tenn Yuk was driving down Highway 401 with her parents when she told them she is gay.

A busy highway wasn't the ideal time, or place, to come out, she told students at a gay-straight alliance celebration held at Holy Names Catholic High School on Friday, but it started her journey of accepting who she was.

Jenna Tenn Yuk tells students at the WEShine event about coming out to her parents.The spoken word artist also recited some of her poetry and answered student questions. (Dan Taekema/CBC)

The spoken word artist shared her story during the first ever WEShine event, encouraging others to do the same.

Eli Marentette, a former St. Thomas of Villanova student and member of the LGBT community, also got on stage to talk about his experience. He shared a message of support and hope for students still trying to figure out who they are.

"You are going to find people who accept you and love you for who you are," he said.